English Championship promotion favourites Derby County will compete in the triangular Algarve Cup tournament being played at the Algarve Stadium, Faro, between July 15 and 17. Portuguese Primeira Liga champions Benfica and V. Setúbal will complete the threesome.
New Derby boss Nigel Pearson brings his first team squad, under-21s and under-18s, to the Algarve for a pre-season training camp from July 13 to 20.
The Rams will play V. Setúbal on Friday, July 15 and 24 hours later will face Benfica.
The final game of the tournament will be between V. Setúbal and Benfica on the Sunday evening.
Derby County have a strong squad including Irish internationals Jeff Hendrick, Richard Keogh and Cyrus Christie currently on duty with their country at the Euro finals in France. In addition, Tom Ince, son of former England captain Paul Ince, who was Signed from Hull City a year ago for €6 million is an exciting prospect.
Last season Derby finished fifth in the Championship and lost to Hull in the play-off semi-final. Hull went on to win the play-off final and promotion. Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson was appointed Derby’s head coach in May.
